A Billings resident, Dustin James Massey, 40, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. The sentencing took place before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters after Massey pleaded guilty in April 2025.
According to information presented in court, agents from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation received a tip on September 20, 2023, that Massey was selling drugs and possessed firearms. At the time, Massey was under federal supervision following a previous conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
On September 21, 2023, United States Probation officers and Montana DCI agents attempted a probation search at Massey's residence. Law enforcement announced their presence but received no response from inside. Officers then breached the door; during the entry, Massey fired at officers who returned fire and ultimately shot him. After disarming him, law enforcement identified his firearm as a Sig Sauer pistol with an extended magazine.
A subsequent search warrant led agents to seize about four pounds of methamphetamine, over 12,000 fentanyl pills, and nearly 50 grams of cocaine from the residence. Three firearms were also confiscated: a Sig Sauer model P320 pistol, a Taurus model G3 pistol, and a North American Arms .22 caliber revolver.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Patten and investigated by ATF along with the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies and community organizations. In May 2021, the Department of Justice implemented an updated strategy for PSN focusing on building trust within communities and supporting violence prevention programs while setting targeted enforcement priorities and measuring outcomes. More details about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
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